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Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Gaja
Cyclone Gaja nearing South India on 15 November
Meteorological history
Formed10 November 2018
Remnant low19 November 2018
Dissipated22 November 2018
Very severe cyclonic storm
3-minute sustained (IMD)
Highest winds130 km/h (80 mph)
Lowest pressure976 hPa (mbar); 28.82 inHg
Category 1-equivalent tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds150 km/h (90 mph)
Lowest pressure963 hPa (mbar); 28.44 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities52 total
Damage$775 million (2018 USD)
Areas affectedSouthern Vietnam, Malay Peninsula, Andaman Islands, Sri Lanka, Southern India (Tamil Nadu, Puducherry)
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Gaja[a] (/ˈɡʌdʒə/; GUH-juh) was a damaging tropical cyclone that brought significant effects to South India. The sixth named storm of the very active 2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Gaja originated from a low-pressure system over the Gulf of Thailand that was first monitored by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on 7 November. The system then crossed over Southern Thailand and the Malay Peninsula, moving westward into the Andaman Sea. Under conditions favourable for strengthening, the weak system intensified into a depression over the Bay of Bengal on 10 November and further intensified into a cyclonic storm early on 11 November, being named Gaja. After tracking west-southwestward for a number of days in the Bay of Bengal, Gaja made landfall in South India late on 15 November, moving westward through Vedaranyam, Thiruthuraipoondi, Mannargudi, Muthupet, Pudukkottai, Adirampattinam, Pattukkottai, and Peravurani. The storm then tracked into the Arabian Sea; however, it degenerated into a remnant low under hostile conditions only a few days later, before dissipating early on 22 November. 45 people were killed by the storm. 8 people were killed in the town of Pattukottai alone. Gaja had severe impacts in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. After Cyclone Gaja, Tamil Nadu sought Rs 15,000 crore from the Indian central government to rebuild.

Meteorological history

[edit]
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On 7 November, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) began monitoring the Bay of Bengal for the potential of tropical cyclogenesis. The next day, a low-pressure area formed over the Gulf of Thailand, with the IMD noting that conditions were favourable for organisation in the Bay of Bengal. As a result, the system consolidated into a well-marked low-pressure area over the north Andaman Sea by 12:00 UTC on 9 November. The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) supported enhanced convective activity over the southern Bay of Bengal and surrounding areas, with the southeastern bay hosting warm sea surface temperatures of 28–29 °C (82–84 °F) and low wind shear. Under these favourable conditions, the system organised into a depression by 03:00 UTC on 10 November over the central Andaman Sea.[2] Simultaneously, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) on the system.[3]

The system moved west-northwestward into the southeastern Bay of Bengal, intensifying further into a deep depression by 12:00 UTC that day.[2] Six hours later, the JTWC initiated advisories on the system as Tropical Cyclone 07B.[3] By 00:00 UTC on 11 November, under persistent favourable conditions, the system intensified into a cyclonic storm and thus received the name Gaja. The cyclone continued moving westward before executing a cyclonic loop throughout the next day. Gaja then tracked west-southwestward under the influence of an anticyclone over the Arabian Sea. It intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the southwestern Bay of Bengal by 03:00 UTC on 15 November, before further intensifying into a very severe cyclonic storm 12 hours later as it approached the Tamil Nadu coast. By 18:00 UTC, the IMD assessed that Gaja reached its peak intensity, with 3-minute sustained winds of 130 km/h (81 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 976 mbar (28.8 inHg). Shortly thereafter, Gaja made landfall between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam and proceeded to track inland. No longer supplied with moist air from the Bay of Bengal, the cyclone rapidly weakened inland, becoming a severe cyclonic storm by 00:00 UTC on 16 November before being further downgraded to a cyclonic storm three hours later.[2]

Disorganisation continued, with Gaja becoming a deep depression inland over Tamil Nadu by 06:00 UTC on 16 November, and a depression six hours later. Steered by an upper tropospheric ridge, the depression continued moving westward, emerging over the southeastern Arabian Sea by 00:00 UTC the next day. Despite low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures, Gaja struggled to intensify, and dry air intrusions disrupted the cyclone early on 19 November. As a result, the IMD assessed that Gaja had weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area by 18:00 UTC that day, whereas the JTWC discontinued advisories one day prior.[2][3]

Preparations

[edit]

India

[edit]

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

[edit]

The IMD began warning of heavy rainfall over coastal Tamil Nadu early on 10 November. On 12 November, the IMD forecasted up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) of storm surge for the cities of Nagapattinam and Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu and the city of Karaikal in Puducherry. The next day, this forecast was extended to the Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, and Ramanathapuram districts. Early on 14 November, coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were placed under a cyclone warning.[2]

In advance of Gaja's landfall, the state government of Tamil Nadu deployed nine National Disaster Response Force teams and seven State Disaster Response Force units. The teams were stationed in the districts of Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Pudukkotai, Ramanathapuram, and Tuticorin. At least 3,124 volunteer first responders, 368 medical teams, and 315 veterinary teams were mobilised to aid in evacuations and for post-cyclone response. About 80,000 people were evacuated to 470 relief camps from the districts that were deemed vulnerable to the cyclone.[4][5]: 37–38  Holidays were announced in the coastal districts of the Cauvery delta region in Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry. Train services to and from Rameswaram were either cancelled or partially restricted on 15 November, with some services remaining cancelled on 16 November.[6]

Elsewhere

[edit]

Starting on 10 November, the IMD began warning for isolated heavy rainfall over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Two days later, heavy rainfall warnings were additionally issued for southern Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. On 16 November, heavy rainfall was warned for Lakshadweep. On 17 November, the IMD forecasted up to 0.5 metres (1.6 ft) of storm surge for Lakshadweep.[2]

Impact

[edit]

India

[edit]
Damage in coastal Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

[edit]

Up to 1.8 m (5.9 ft) of storm surge was reported in Kodikkarai. An estimated 1.6 m (5.2 ft) of storm surge inundated Karaikal Beach. The surge partially silted canals supplying tidal waters to coastal mangrove forests.[5]: 33  The towns of Thiruthuraipoondi and Muthupet both recorded 17 cm (6.7 in) of rainfall on 16 November. The following day, Sivaganga reported 17 cm (6.7 in) of rainfall. Adiramapattinam reported a maximum wind speed of 117 km/h (73 mph), and Nagapattinam reported maximum winds of 100 km/h (62 mph).[2]

About 86,000 electric poles, 800 transformers, 200 electricity substations, and 5,000 boats were destroyed by the cyclone. Thousands of birds and livestock died due to the cyclone's effects.[7] More than 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of banana plantation were damaged in the town of Orathanadu.[5]: 35  About 18,000 hectares (44,000 acres) hectares of coconut trees were damaged, with damage being particularly severe in the Cauvery delta region. 56,000 hectares (140,000 acres) of crops and trees were destroyed due to the cyclone. In total, roughly 7.5 million trees were damaged or felled due to high winds.[2][8]

Damages to electrical infrastructure operated by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) were estimated to total around ₹10.5 billion (US$120.5 million).[5]: 41  A total of 52 deaths were reported in Tamil Nadu due to Gaja, including four construction workers who were killed by a landslide in Kodaikanal.[5]: 34 [9]

Elsewhere

[edit]

In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Long Island reported a 24-hour rainfall total of 14 cm (5.5 in) on 10 November. Mayabunder reported 10 cm (3.9 in) of rainfall that same day, with an additional 7 cm (2.8 in) reported the following day.[2]

Kerala was affected by heavy rainfall on 17 November, with recorded 24-hour totals of 28 cm (11 in) in Kozha and 19 cm (7.5 in) in Piravam.[2] Landslides caused by heavy rainfall were reported in Idukki district, Kerala. Landslides partially destroyed a home and destroyed farmland in Vattavada, whilst a bridge was damaged. Sections of National Highway 49 were flooded.[10] In Ernakulam district, two houses were destroyed, with a further 199 damaged. Damages in Ernakulam were estimated to total ₹380,0000 (US$4,300). Downed trees were reported to have damaged electrical infrastructure.[11]

Sri Lanka

[edit]

Gaja impacted Sri Lanka's northern districts. In the Jaffna District, the Disaster Management Centre reported that 90 houses had been destroyed with an additional 978 houses partially damaged, requiring the relocation of families to relief camps. Over 55,000 banana trees were felled in Kopay.[12]

Aftermath

[edit]

A total of 828 relief centres were mobilised in Tamil Nadu, providing temporary shelters and aid for 122,754 families. A set of relief articles was provided to affected households in the state. Heavy machinery and power saws were utilised to remove over 1.3 million uprooted trees and clear roads from obstructions.[5]: 38–40  The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) continued supporting relief efforts in Tamil Nadu into early 2019. Relief included kitchen supplies, towel saris, and mosquito nets.[13] In a 2019 report on Gaja's effects, the National Disaster Management Authority released a series of recommendations to improve tropical cyclone preparedness. Recommendations included improving relief logistics and the construction of cyclone-resistant structures.[5]: 55–57 

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cyclone Gaja

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Cyclone Gaja was a very severe cyclonic storm that developed over the southeast in November 2018, becoming the sixth named storm of the active North Indian Ocean cyclone season, and it made landfall near in , , on November 16, resulting in at least 45 deaths and widespread destruction across southern . Originating from a over the on November 8, the system intensified into a depression by November 10 and followed a complex track involving a recurvature and an anticlockwise loop before striking the coast with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h (gusting to 145 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 975 hPa. The cyclone's unusual looping path marked the first such occurrence in the since 1996, and it traversed a total track length of 3,418 km over its 219-hour lifespan. The 's impacts were most severe in the delta districts of , including , Tiruvarur, , , , and , where it uprooted approximately 1.7 trees, damaged 1.17 houses, and affected 88,102 hectares of , particularly devastating coconut and palm plantations vital to local livelihoods. In addition to the human casualties, 735 perished, and suffered extensively with 39,938 electric poles and 347 transformers destroyed, leading to power outages for over 5 million households. surges of about 1 meter inundated low-lying coastal areas, while heavy rainfall up to 28 cm in parts of exacerbated flooding and disruptions. Government response included the evacuation of around 250,000 to 493 relief camps. The state sought approximately ₹15,000 in central assistance for rehabilitation and long-term , with total projected losses estimated at ₹16,341 , highlighting vulnerabilities in coastal agriculture and the need for enhanced cyclone-resilient . Cyclone Gaja also brushed northern , causing minor damage there, underscoring its regional reach.

Meteorological History

Formation and Initial Development

Cyclone Gaja originated from a that formed over the and adjoining around 0830 IST on November 8, 2018, subsequently moving northward into the . This development was influenced by the in phase 3–4 with an amplitude less than 1, which supported enhanced convective activity in the region, alongside favorable sea surface temperatures of 28–29°C and low vertical of 5–15 knots. By 1730 IST on November 9, the system had intensified into a well-marked over the north . The (IMD) designated the system as a depression over the southeast near 11.7°N, 92.5°E at 0830 IST on November 10, 2018, marking the official start of its tracking as a tropical disturbance. It further intensified into a deep depression by 1730 IST that day. from that period revealed a curved band structure with minimum cloud-top temperatures reaching -93°C, indicating initial organization of around the center. Early associated rainfall affected the , with accumulations of 14 cm recorded at and 10 cm at Mayabandar on November 10. By 0530 IST on , the deep depression had strengthened into a cyclonic storm over the east-central and adjoining west-central/southeast near 13.4°N, 89.3°E, at which point it was assigned the name Gaja by the IMD, following the naming conventions of the World Meteorological Organization's/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones; "Gaja" is a word meaning , contributed by to the panel's name list. At this stage, maximum sustained winds had increased to 35–40 knots (65–74 km/h), and the central pressure had dropped to 999 hPa, as evidenced by satellite analysis showing a pattern. The storm initially tracked west-northwestwards at about 10 km/h. This event occurred during the above-average 2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, which featured 14 depressions, the highest number since 1992.

Intensification and Landfall

On November 15, 2018, Cyclone Gaja intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the southwest , with sustained winds reaching 50 knots (93 km/h) by 08:30 IST. Later that day, at 20:30 IST, it further strengthened into a very severe cyclonic storm, exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 70 knots (130 km/h) and gusts up to 145 km/h, marking a rapid upgrade driven by favorable sea surface temperatures of 28–29°C and low vertical of 5–15 knots. This phase of intensification was characterized by tightly wrapped convective bands observed in , contributing to enhanced organization. The cyclone achieved peak intensity around the time of early on November 16, 2018, with a minimum central pressure of 975 hPa and the development of an eyewall structure visible via satellite observations around 15:00 UTC on November 15. Local measurements during this period recorded speeds of about 117 km/h near Adhirampattinam, underscoring the storm's potency close to the coast. The track, which had earlier featured a south-southwestward recurvature with an anticlockwise loop until November 13, shifted to a west-southwestward path influenced by upper-level steering, positioning the system for coastal approach. Gaja made landfall between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu, at approximately 10.45°N, 79.8°E, between 00:30 and 02:30 IST on November 16, 2018, with sustained winds of 130 km/h and gusts to 145 km/h. Prior to landfall, forecasts from the India Meteorological Department predicted a storm surge of about 1 meter above astronomical tide, likely inundating low-lying coastal areas up to 1 km inland, alongside heavy rainfall accumulations of 100–200 mm in affected regions. As the cyclone neared the coast, interactions with intruding dry air and increasing wind shear began to limit further strengthening, though the system retained very severe status at crossing.

Dissipation

After making landfall near in as a very severe cyclonic storm early on November 16, 2018, Cyclone Gaja underwent rapid weakening due to interaction with land, which disrupted its circulation through and cut off the supply of from the ocean. By 0530 IST on November 16, the system had weakened slightly but remained a very severe cyclonic storm, with sustained winds around 130 km/h gusting to 145 km/h at landfall dropping soon after. The central pressure, which had reached a minimum of 975 hPa near peak intensity, began a steady rise, reaching 1002 hPa by 1200 UTC (1730 IST) that day, signaling the breakdown of organized as dry air from the western sector entrained into the system. The cyclone continued to degrade quickly over the interior of , downgraded to a cyclonic storm by 0830 IST on November 16, with winds falling below 90 km/h, and further to a deep depression by 1130 IST as it tracked westward. By 1730 IST, it had weakened to a depression over central , with estimated winds of 30-40 km/h, before emerging into the southeast off the Kerala coast around 2330 IST at coordinates 9.8°N, 74.3°E. After emerging as a depression, the remnants re-intensified into a deep depression by 0530 IST on November 17 and moved west-northwestward, crossing the Lakshadweep Islands between 1400-1700 IST that day as a deep depression, before further weakening due to continued dry air incursion and lack of warm moist air advection, reducing to a depression by 1130 IST on November 19 and a well-marked low-pressure area by 2330 IST over the southwest and southeast . The system's remnants persisted as a , causing scattered rainfall along its inland path, including isolated heavy falls over coastal Andhra Pradesh districts like and Prakasam on 17. By 20, the circulation had become less organized over the , with no potential for regeneration due to unfavorable upper-level winds and persistent dry air influence. Complete dissipation occurred by 22, 2018, as the filled over the southwest , ending the cyclone's lifecycle without reintensification.

Preparations

In India

The (IMD) began monitoring the system on 7 November 2018 and issued its first bulletin on 10 November, providing track and intensity forecasts up to 108 hours in advance. A cyclone alert was issued on 11 November at 1200 IST, followed by a cyclone warning on 14 November at 1145 IST, specifying gale winds of 100–110 km/h (gusting to 120 km/h) and a of about 1 meter along the and Puducherry coasts. Warnings were disseminated through bulletins every three hours, with hourly updates during , via , , the RSMC website, , and press releases to national and state disaster management authorities, including the (NDRF) and state governments. In response, the Tamil Nadu government evacuated approximately 250,000 people from vulnerable coastal areas in six districts—Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Dindigul, and Ramanathapuram—to 493 relief camps before landfall on 16 November. Fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea from the coasts of , , , and . The pre-positioned National Disaster Response Teams (NDRT), water and sanitation teams, and relief supplies for immediate action.

In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Department of Meteorology issued warnings for heavy rainfall and strong winds in the northern and north-western provinces starting from 14 November 2018, as the cyclone approached. A red alert was declared for the Northern Province on 16 November, advising coastal communities from to and Mannar to to refrain from going out to sea due to expected gusty winds and rough seas. No large-scale evacuations were reported, given the cyclone's peripheral impact on the country, though local authorities prepared for potential localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Impacts

In India

Cyclone Gaja inflicted severe human losses in , resulting in 57 deaths in primarily due to , structural collapses, and . Over 200 people sustained injuries across the affected regions. The cyclone caused extensive infrastructure damage, destroying approximately 39,938 electric poles, about 4,200 kilometers of power lines, and damaging roads in coastal areas. Flooding from heavy rains affected thousands of people and villages in coastal , exacerbating disruptions to transportation and utilities. Economic losses from the storm were estimated at ₹16,341 crore, driven largely by agricultural devastation where 88,102 hectares of crops, including coconut and banana plantations, were ruined. The destruction particularly affected the fertile Cauvery delta, crippling livelihoods dependent on horticulture. Environmentally, Gaja uprooted about 127,000 trees, leading to significant ecological disruption. Storm surges of 1-1.5 meters inundated low-lying coastal areas, while heavy rainfall up to 28 cm in parts of caused additional flooding and disruptions there. The impacts were most severe in and Puducherry, accounting for about 90% of the total damage in . In contrast, the remnants brought minor flooding to parts of , with limited structural harm.

In Sri Lanka

Although Cyclone Gaja primarily devastated coastal regions of southern , its outer rainbands brought heavy monsoon rains and gusty winds to northern , leading to localized flooding and minor structural damage. The storm's peripheral effects were most pronounced in the Northern Province, where torrential downpours triggered overflows in low-lying areas and disrupted daily life without causing widespread catastrophe. No fatalities were reported in , underscoring the cyclone's attenuated influence compared to its core path. In , strong winds and flooding damaged infrastructure and agriculture, with the Disaster Management Centre documenting 90 houses fully destroyed and 978 partially damaged, prompting the relocation of affected families to temporary camps. Compensation was promised to homeowners, and initial relief efforts included Rs. 1 million (approximately $6,000 USD) for immediate needs in the area. Road networks suffered as by-roads cracked due to burst underground pipes from water pressure, with Rs. 500,000 allocated for repairs involving new cube pipes. Agricultural losses were significant in the Kopay division, where approximately 55,000 banana trees were uprooted, severely impacting local farmers' livelihoods as assessments of crop value continued. Flooding extended to , affecting 110 residents in and Manthai West areas, while broader rains displaced over 5,000 people across northern districts including . Environmental repercussions included scattered tree falls and localized erosion along coastal zones, exacerbating access issues in rural communities. The Sri Lankan government responded swiftly with Rs. 10 million (about $60,000 USD) for preliminary reconstruction, focusing on the rural north where economic impacts were estimated in the low millions, primarily from lost agricultural output and minor infrastructure fixes. These effects highlighted vulnerabilities in Sri Lanka's northern periphery to indirect cyclone influences, though recovery was rapid due to the limited scale.

Aftermath and Recovery

Immediate Response

Following the landfall of Cyclone Gaja on November 16, 2018, the swiftly established over 500 relief camps across the affected districts, sheltering approximately 250,000 evacuees who received essential food, , and medical assistance within the first 24 hours. These camps, primarily in , , and districts, were supported by local administration and NGOs to address immediate humanitarian needs amid widespread displacement caused by flooding and structural damage. The central government deployed nine teams of the (NDRF), alongside units of the and , for urgent search-and-rescue operations and to airlift supplies to remote, cut-off villages where roads were blocked by fallen trees and debris. These teams, prepositioned prior to and reinforced post-impact, focused on evacuating stranded residents and distributing aid, with helicopters facilitating delivery to inaccessible coastal areas in the delta region. In response to the reported deaths, primarily from electrocution and collapsing structures, the Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh per deceased from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF), in addition to Rs 10 lakh provided by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund for families of victims. Emergency funds from PMNRF were also allocated for injured persons at Rs 50,000 each, enabling rapid disbursement to support affected households in the initial crisis phase. Efforts to restore began immediately, with over 12,000 electricity board personnel working around the clock to repair damaged poles and transformers; by , was partially restored in urban centers and key facilities like hospitals, though rural areas faced prolonged outages. Communications networks, disrupted by uprooted poles and flooding, saw initial recovery through mobile generator-supported cell towers, allowing coordination among relief agencies in the hardest-hit zones. In , where the cyclone's outer bands brought heavy rains and flooding to northern and eastern provinces affecting over 5,000 people, the led initial by distributing essential family kits including dry rations and tarpaulins to displaced families in temporary camps. The Sri Lankan government coordinated with the for rapid damage assessments and aid logistics, focusing on flood-prone areas like to provide food and shelter within 48 hours of the event's impacts.

Reconstruction Efforts

Following Cyclone Gaja, the government sought approximately Rs 15,000 crore in central assistance for , rehabilitation, and permanent restoration activities, including repairs and agricultural recovery. The provided an initial Rs 353.7 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund on December 3, 2018, followed by an additional Rs 1,146.12 crore approved on December 31, 2018, to support rebuilding efforts across affected districts. Complementing this, the state government allocated Rs 1,000 crore for immediate rehabilitation, with portions directed toward housing, power , and farming subsidies in the initial months post-cyclone. International support bolstered these initiatives, with the World Bank approving $130 million in grants on September 30, 2019, through the International Development Association's Crisis Response Window to aid recovery in cyclone-affected communities, emphasizing resilient housing reconstruction and community infrastructure. The allocated €105,000 in emergency assistance on December 6, 2018, targeting the most impacted areas for basic shelter and support. These funds facilitated the rebuilding of thousands of homes, transitioning from temporary shelters to permanent structures under and donor-backed schemes by mid-2019. Power grid restoration emerged as a priority, with over 1.34 electric poles damaged across the delta districts; by early December 2018, workers had replaced a significant portion, achieving near-full restoration within weeks through round-the-clock efforts involving thousands of personnel. This included erecting new poles and repairing transformers, enabling supply to resume in most rural areas by the end of the month. Agricultural rebuilding focused on subsidies for replanting, with the state providing 40-50% cost coverage for re-cultivation of crops like , , and paddy under the Rs 1,000 crore package. This supported approximately 70,000 coconut farmers whose nearly 1 crore trees were uprooted, offering Rs 1,512 per tree for removal, replanting, and maintenance, thereby aiding recovery of livelihoods in the hardest-hit coastal regions. In , where Cyclone Gaja damaged 52 houses fully and 700 partially in the along with disruptions to roads and schools, the government allocated funds for repairs.

Long-term Recovery and Lessons Learned

In the years following Cyclone Gaja, initiatives in emphasized to bolster coastal defenses and mitigate future storm surges. The state's mangrove cover expanded from 4,500 hectares in 2021 to 9,039 hectares by 2024, driven by afforestation drives and natural regeneration efforts that planted thousands of saplings in vulnerable delta areas. Community-led programs, such as those in , involved local villagers in reviving the region's largest forest over a three-year period starting post-2018, enhancing and with an estimated 8.73 tonnes stored by 2025. These efforts addressed the cyclone's uprooting of nearly 10 million trees, including plantations, which had previously covered significant in the affected districts. Economic recovery progressed unevenly, with fisheries sectors facing prolonged challenges due to damage and . Over 1,500 fishing boats were fully destroyed and another 2,625 partially damaged in the Cauvery delta, delaying full operations until March 2019, though persistent soil salinization from storm surges continued to affect coastal agriculture and viability into the early 2020s. The allocated Rs 1,146 from the National Disaster Response Fund in 2019 for rehabilitation, supplemented by state funds exceeding Rs 1,000 , supporting livelihood restoration for affected fisherfolk and farmers; by 2023, cumulative assistance facilitated partial economic rebound in delta regions, though low-income households reported ongoing earnings losses of up to 85%. Post-event analyses from 2021 to 2025 highlighted critical lessons for disaster resilience. Analyses emphasized enhancing early warning dissemination and community training to boost evacuation rates. The National Disaster Management Authority's 2018 review, updated in subsequent reports, advocated for climate-resilient crops to counter the 40% agricultural devastation observed, alongside improved inter-state coordination to streamline relief across and neighboring regions. Affected communities faced prolonged recovery, underscoring the need for sustained financial mechanisms to address short recovery intervals between cyclones. Long-term environmental assessments revealed heightened vulnerabilities in delta ecosystems. A 2022 geo-marine analysis documented elevated sea levels and risks, with coastal households at 15-20 feet elevation facing recurrent flooding that exacerbates and loss in the Cauvery delta. While fisheries showed initial recovery, the shift toward brackish in salinized areas increased exposure to future , as inadequate like cyclone shelters and roads amplified socio-economic risks for 67% of low-income residents in thatched dwellings. Policy responses incorporated these insights into broader frameworks. The State Disaster Management Plan of 2023 integrated Gaja's lessons, prioritizing resilient infrastructure and financial gap-bridging through enhanced state funds and inter-agency protocols for rapid response. Nationally, the Disaster Management Act amendments post-2018 drew from Gaja evaluations to refine the National Disaster Management Plan, focusing on proactive measures like vulnerability mapping and equitable aid distribution to reduce recovery timelines.

References

  1. https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/uploads/report/26/26_c04c58_gaja.pdf
  2. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/cyclone-gaja-toll-rises-to-45/article25530882.ece
  3. https://reliefweb.int/disaster/tc-2018-000413-ind
  4. https://www.ndma.gov.in/sites/default/files/PDF/Reports/Study-Report-Gaja-Cyclone-2018.pdf
  5. https://reliefweb.int/report/india/india-sri-lanka-tropical-cyclone-gaja-update-gdacs-jtwc-imd-sri-lanka-department
  6. https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/atcr/2018atcr.pdf
  7. https://reliefweb.int/report/india/india-cyclone-gaja-emergency-plan-action-epoa-dref-operation-n-mdrin021-update-no-1
  8. https://reliefweb.int/report/india/india-sri-lanka-tropical-cyclone-gaja-update-gdacs-jtwc-imd-sri-lanka-department-0
  9. https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/11/16/update-red-alert-issued-to-the-northern-province-due-to-cyclone-gaja
  10. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/57-died-due-to-cyclone-gaja-says-tamil-nadu-government/articleshow/67038363.cms
  11. https://go.ifrc.org/field-reports/11569
  12. https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/over-1-lakh-poles-may-be-damaged-tn-electricity-board-hit-hard-cyclone-gaja-91792
  13. https://floodlist.com/asia/india-sri-lanka-tropical-cyclone-gaja-november-2018
  14. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cyclone-gaja-damaged-nearly-1-crore-coconut-trees-70000-farmers-hit-tamil-nadu-5477078/
  15. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/its-official-gaja-left-33-dead-uprooted-127-lakh-trees/article25528805.ece
  16. https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=184733
  17. http://www.sundaytimes.lk/181125/news/cyclone-gajas-full-scale-of-destruction-still-being-ascertained-321643.html
  18. https://actalliance.org/appeals-rapid-response-funds/india-cyclone-gaja-emergency-response-in-tamil-nadu-rrf-no-20-2018/
  19. https://sphereindiablog.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/iag-tn-cyclone-gaja-assessment-report-alligned-f-novemebr-2018.pdf
  20. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cyclone-gaja-number-of-dead-rises-to-45-relief-operations-continue-1949405
  21. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/Nov/19/cyclone-gaja-eb-working-247-to-restore-supply-1900139.html
  22. https://reliefweb.int/map/india/india-sri-lanka-tropical-cyclone-gaja-emergency-response-coordination-centre-ercc-dg-echo
  23. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cyclone-gaja-centre-approves-rs-1-146-crore-assistance-to-tamil-nadu-1970714
  24. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-given-rs-353-crore-for-gaja-relief-says-union-minister/story-8e6u5I6NUSjAQYNfZ1RwoK.html
  25. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cyclone-gaja-tamil-nadi-seeks-rs-15-000-crore-help-from-centre-1951670
  26. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2019/09/30/world-bank-injects-130-million-in-support-of-recovery-efforts-in-cyclones-affected-communities
  27. https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/eu-extends-aid-to-those-affected-by-cyclone-gaja-118120600435_1.html
  28. https://tnfusa.org/gaja-overview/gaja-rehabilitation-projects/
  29. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cyclone-gaja-less-than-half-of-1-34-lakh-electric-poles-restored-20000-workers-race-against-time-5471602/
  30. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/gaja-one-more-week-needed-for-full-power-restoration/articleshow/66947069.cms
  31. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/Nov/20/cyclone-gaja-tamil-nadu-cm-edappadi-k-palaniswami-announces-rs-1000-crore-for-relief-work-in-affec-1900537.html
  32. http://www.sundaytimes.lk/181118/news/relief-in-battered-north-as-cyclone-moves-away-320795.html
  33. https://www.newindianexpress.com/xplore/2025/Mar/07/tamil-nadus-mangroves-store-873-lakh-tonnes-of-carbon-stock
  34. https://thebetterindia.com/476027/tamil-nadu-muthupet-mangrove-restoration/
  35. https://www.facebook.com/groups/kakampinoy/posts/708009915460183/
  36. https://eprints.cmfri.org.in/16500/1/Indian%20Journal%20of%20Geo-Marine%20Sciences_2022_Shyam%20S%20Salim.pdf
  37. https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/endpovertyinsouthasia/little-little-india-restores-its-lost-mangroves
  38. https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/centre-approves-rs-1-146-crore-as-cyclone-gaja-relief-for-tamil-nadu-118123100606_1.html
  39. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8819198/
  40. https://tnsdma.tn.gov.in/app/webroot/img/document/dm_plan_2023.pdf
  41. https://ndma.gov.in/sites/default/files/PDF/SDMP/TN_DisasterManagement-Plan.pdf
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